Pursuant to the High School Graduation Standards Act (NJSA 18A:7, et. seq.), expectations for this course of study are outlined below.

OVERVIEW:  Chemistry Concepts is a lab science designed for college bound students who do not plan on pursuing studies in the sciences.  Qualifications include achieving a minimum average of 74 in CP Poly Science and CP Biology.  The purpose of this course is to present the major concepts in chemistry and connect this knowledge in a practical manner to our world.

Calculator, folder

1.             Learn basic safety rules and use of equipment for the laboratory that will be utilized throughout the year.

2.             To use the scientific method in problem solving and apply the metric system to data.

3.             Review the physical and chemical properties of matter.

4.             Understand the organization of the periodic table.

5.             Learn chemical symbols and use these to correctly write and name chemical formulas.

6.             Review the developmental concept of the atomic model, including electron configurations.

7.             Study the forces that bond atoms together.  Compare ionic, covalent and metallic bonding.

8.             Explain the centrality of the mole concept to chemical calculations.

9.             Describe the general categories of chemical reactions and be able to write these as balanced chemical 

               equations.

10.           To study forms of energy and the changes that accompanies a chemical reaction.

11.           Describe the effects of changes in pressure, volume and temperature on contained gases.

12.           To learn and investigate the properties of acids and bases.

13.           To give an understanding of the principles regarding solubility.

14.           Apply lab skills to the analysis of various sources of fresh water.

15.           Describe heat changes in physical and chemical processes.

16.           Describe the composition and power of various types of radiation.  Write nuclear equations.

17.           To utilize the concepts learned in chemistry and their applications to the following areas:

                                a. Foods

                                b. Ecology/environment

                                c. Household materials

        STUDY STRATEGIES

1.        Select the appropriate time, environment, and attitude for yourself to study in.

2.        Mark any information you don’t understand in a particular unit; keep a focus on one unity or a manageable group of exercises.

3.        After studying the unit, stop and put what you have learned into your own words.

4.        Go back to what you did not understand and reconsider the information; contact external expert sources (e.g.; other books or teacher) if you still cannot understand it.

5.        Ask yourself three kinds of questions concerning the studies material:

6.        If I could speak to the author, what questions would I ask or what criticism would I offer?

7.        How could I apply this material to what I am interested in?

8.        How could I make this information interesting and understandable to other students?

9.        Review what strategies helped you understand and/or retain information    

       and go over the material you have covered.

HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS AND GRADING:  Homework is expected to be completed on time, no late homework is accepted.  Partial credit is given for partial completion.  A marking period grade will consist of homework, classwork, quizzes, laboratory reports, projects and tests.  The grade is calculated on a points basis. 

PROCEDURES FOR MAKING UP WORK:  If students are absent or on a field trip, work should be handed in upon their return.  Students going on field trips should ask for work in advanced.  Tests should be taken the next study period or after school, after their return.  Tests will not be made up during class time, only during study halls or after school.  The student will make up the test in the same number of days absent prior to the test.  If a student is absent on lab day, the student is responsible for making arrangements to do the experiment or obtain the necessary data from his or her lab partner. 

MAJOR PROJECTS TO EXPECT: 

                Element Poster

                Women in Science PowerPoint

PURPOSE AND METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:  The ultimate purpose of assessment is to create students who are:

1.        To apply chemistry concepts within the world.

2.        Practice skills and concepts taught in class.

3.        Provide evidence of comprehension of topics.

4.        Check for level of understanding and/or the need to reinforce or reteach a concept.

1.        Tests

2.        Quizzes

3.        Laboratory Reports

4.        Homework/Class work

5.        Projects

6.        Each quarter will count as 20% of the final grade

7.        Final Exam and Mid-year exam represents the last 20% of the grade.

CAREER OBJECTIVES:  Students will acquire a background of chemistry that will enable them to connect these concepts to every day life.

1.             Regular attendance at school is required of all students by the laws of the State of New Jersey.  Failure to attend on a regular basis may result in poor achievement and/or loss of credit as per Board of Education Policy and as stated in the Student Handbook.

2.            This list must be returned, signed by parent or guardian, no later than the last day in September for a full year or a first semester course and the last school day in February for a second semester course.

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          Student Signature                                                                                                 Sarah Schiavone, Teacher

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        Parent/Guardian Signature